Villagers protest increased traffic on Coltishall high street, citing safety concerns and council inaction.
Locals plan a protest demonstration for Tuesday, February 25 at 8:30 a.m. to be held on Coltishall High Street.
Bill Musson, a resident of 30 years, is involved in a campaign group advocating for action on the road issues. The group is called “Coltishall and Horstead B1150 Group.” Bill says the road is dangerous and highlights the high traffic volume, both negatively affecting Coltishall and Horstead.
Approximately 100,000 vehicles pass weekly. The planned growth in North Walsham, including 1,800 new homes, could significantly increase traffic even further.
Bill Musson says residents feel unsafe, especially along parts of the B1150. Accidents happen often, causing property damage. HGV drivers frequently break the law, driving on pavements to avoid traffic and constantly endangering pedestrians.
Musson feels the council ignores clear evidence, adding that North Norfolk District Council does not appear to see the problems. Their Local Plan, he says, will worsen things, impacting small Broadland villages.
The village is traversed by a humpback bridge crossing the River Bure, which is used by cars, trucks, and tractors. Drivers from Norwich avoid longer detours that go via Wroxham or Aylsham, and some also use tiny backroads.
The situation worsened recently, according to locals, after the Northern Distributor Road opened, now funneling more motorists through the village.